Shantell Martin’s work goes beyond art, it’s an immersive journey into storytelling, identity, and space transformation. With a rich background in collaborations, commissions, institutional projects, and museum shows, Shantell has been on a journey of mastering her line and the art of creating pieces that not only capture attention but also provoke thought and emotion. Her distinctive style, rooted in self-exploration and social consciousness, offers more than a visual tapestry.
In 2025, Shantell was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to British arts and charity. Her ability to see the bigger picture and address systemic challenges through her work uniquely equips her to tackle complex, meaningful projects. She is committed to pushing boundaries and creating a lasting impact.
Shantell Martin has collaborated with an inspiring array of corporate clients, cultural institutions, and world-renowned brands. Her work spans diverse industries, consistently breaking new ground through impactful, visually captivating projects.
Museum Shows/Installations
Whitney Museum, Denver Art Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, MoMA, Albright-Knox Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum.
Boards
British Ambassador’s Strategic Advisory Group, Governors Island Arts Advisory Board, Climate Museum Advisory Board, UAL Ambassador Board.
Institutions & Non-Profit Collaborations
92nd Street Y, Trust of Governors Island, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Art Production Fund, Keep a Child Alive, (RED), Public Art Fund, Nine Dot Arts, Global Citizen, AmFAR.
Brand Collaborations
Rimowa, Mattel/UNO, B&B Italia, Tiffany & Co., Flos, Kelly Wearstler, Vitra, The North Face, Jose Cuervo/1800, Max Mara, Kendrick Lamar, American Express, Martone Cycling Co., WME IMG/New York Fashion Week, Interview Magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue, Canada Goose, United Arrows & Sons, KCA Black Ball, Golden Vines Awards, United Airlines.
Commissions
Rockefeller Center, Times Square Alliance, Art Production Fund, Sotheby’s, Fotografiska, Google, Airbnb, Facebook, Young & Rubicam, Mother New York, Adobe, Phillips Auction House, Christie’s, W Hotel Union Square.
At the core of art lies a special bond - a genuine relationship between the artist and the collector.
If you're drawn to the idea of owning an original piece by Shantell Martin, we invite you to explore our Shop. For those interested in a more personalized touch through commissioning, please send us an email.
Credits
Branding & Design by Anton & Irene with love
A celebration of Mattel’s 80 years of iconic brands
2025
To celebrate 80 years of Mattel’s beloved toys and fandoms, over 80 artists from the New Contemporary art scene were invited to create original works for Art Honoring 80. Magic Seek Again was conceived for this occasion as an interactive prototype that reimagines the classic Magic 8-Ball, transforming it into a direct, living dialogue with artist Shantell Martin.
To begin, the participant must say, “Magic Seek Again,” then pose a question to the sculpture. The device responds immediately in a fusion of Martin’s signature line-based language and playful technology. Each answer appears on screen in her bespoke typeface, Shantell Sans, and is spoken aloud in her own voice, creating an intimate connection between the artist and participant.
The work merges nostalgic divination with Martin’s ongoing exploration of communication, accessibility, and curiosity, turning a simple question into a shared moment of wonder.
Design, programming, and assembly support: David Bleisch.
Technical details: The exterior of Magic Seek Again was modeled in FreeCAD and 3D printed on a Prusa MK4S using PLA and Woodfill filaments. The base houses a Raspberry Pi 4 running a Python program connected to a display, microphone, and speaker. It uses Picovoice Porcupine and Cobra for wake-word and voice detection. When idle, the display shows the “8” logo, which transforms into an infinity symbol when activated. The system then animates color ripples and plays back one of twenty pre-recorded responses — each typed and voiced in perfect synchronization.